Tony Romo Must Not Play in HOF Game for Dallas Cowboys

Therefore, there's no good reason to tempt fate by allowing him to take even a single snap when the 'Boys take on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Aug. 4, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.

Head coach Jason Garrett is leaning toward not playing Romo at all, as he revealed in an interview with 105.3 The Fan:

"It’s one of those deals where I suppose he could play five plays or whatever, but we might lean to no plays,’’ Garrett said. “But the clock starts on our '1's' (first-teamers) in Week 2 of the preseason. So that’s not going to be Tony’s game."

If the decision were left up to No. 9, he'd play.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, July 29, as noted by Nick Eatman of DallasCowboys.com, Romo expressed his desire to hit the field against the Dolphins.

"Sure. I always like to play...I still want to play every time I suit up. Every time I step out there your juices are flowing and you want to compete. From that perspective, yeah."

The team captain was also quick to point out that he'll happily fall into line with whatever the coaches decide, saying, “That’s part of being a team. We’ve got to get some guys some looks and do some things.”

Garrett would be wise to keep Romo out in this first of five preseason games the Cowboys will play.

The risk to the quarterback's safety is too great this early in the process. All it would take to demolish the team's playoff chances is for one player to miss a blocking assignment.

This early in the proceedings, it's more likely that the offensive line will struggle than play as a cohesive unit. With a rookie center in Travis Frederick getting comfortable playing with a group of guys that couldn't block for Romo last year, there is a good chance he could get blasted on Sunday.

For what?

For nothing.

Romo is a seasoned pro who could likely miss the entire preseason and still run his team's offense proficiently, as he already has excellent chemistry with tight end Jason Witten and receivers Miles Austin and Dez Byrant.

There is no reason for him to play.

Period.

With four more preseason games on the schedule, he'll still have plenty of time to get his work in before the regular season begins.

Romo's attitude is admirable, and no doubt his teammates love his passion for the game.

That said, letting him play on Sunday would be a foolhardy decision that could have devastating consequences.